SAMPLE SCIENCE LABORATORY WRITE-UP

An outline for lab reports is presented below. Students are expected to write a clear description of procedures and what was learned. A strong data-graph section and conclusion are needed for a paper to meet the standard.

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT	What should the experiment be called?
PROBLEM STATEMENT	Describe briefly, in your own words, the main purpose of the experiment.
HYPOTHESIS	Using logic/reason, predict an outcome using the “If, and, then” format.
MATERIALS	List all essential materials and apparatus needed for the investigation.
PROCEDURE	Describe briefly, in your own word, the procedure. Usually 5 or 6 steps.
DATA/OBSERVATIONS	Show all quantitative data in appropriate charts. Show qualitative data with clear labels. Drawings should be large and easy to see.
CALCULATIONS	Show a sample of each type of calculation with the result circled or boxed
GRAPHS	Show all required graphs and data transformations. Graphs must have descriptive title, have the X and Y axis clearly labeled with units and ranges.
THE THREE-PART CONCLUSION SECTION	This part is designed to allow reflection and review of the investigation and results. It pulls the educational purpose of the lab together.
PART ONE	WHAT YOU DID Restate the purpose and goals (objectives) of the lab. Restate the original hypothesis and indicate how the investigation relates to what is being studied in class.
PART TWO	WHAT YOU SAW Discuss the data collected during the investigation. Make numerical comparisons using significant figures. “Respiration rates increased by 23% during the night.” This is the “How much” section.
PART THREE	WHAT IT MEANS Use the observed data to support or refute reasonable conclusions. Accept of reject and stated hypothesis using the observed data as supportive evidence.